The United Arab Emirates (UAE) cricket team suffered a major blow just a night before their T20 World Cup opener against New Zealand at Chepauk. Pakistani-origin batter Mohammad Zuhaib has been sent back home on charges of serious disciplinary breaches. The Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed the decision through an official statement on Monday evening.

While the ECB hasn’t disclosed specific details, various reports suggest that Zuhaib’s dismissal stems from issues regarding team integration and alleged excessive alcohol consumption. Despite featuring in 16 T20Is with an average of 20.20, Zuhaib’s recent behavior had reportedly become a concern for the management.

Amidst rumors of a ‘subcontinental rift’ within the multi-ethnic squad, Captain Muhammad Waseem took a firm stand during the pre-match press conference. Waseem, himself of Pakistani origin, stated, “There is no India-Pakistan divide here. We are playing for the UAE. We are a family, we eat together, and we stay together.” Despite a poor outing in the warm-up match against Italy, the UAE skipper remains confident that his team will play like “champions” against the Black Caps.